Topic 2 - Origins of American Government


Wednesday, March 14
  • Read Topic 2, Lesson 1
  • Complete homework on Topic 2, Lesson 1 - may use tomorrow on quiz over the information.

Thursday, March 15
  • Quiz over Topic 2, Lesson 1
  • Read Topic 2, Lesson 2
  • Complete the Cause and Effect worksheet.
  • Complete the Political Cartoon worksheet.

Political Cartoons:
Political cartoons express the cartoonist's opinion on a recent issue or current event. Often the cartoon's purpose is to influence public opinion about political leaders, government policies, or economic and political issues. To achieve this goal, cartoonists use humor and exaggeration. When analyzing a political cartoon, be sure to examine all words, images and labels to help you fully understand the cartoonist's intent. Use the following steps to analyze a political cartoon.

1) Identify the symbols in the cartoon- analyze the cartoon to determine what each image or symbol
represents. Read the title and any labels or captions.
2) Analyze the meaning of the cartoon - consider how the cartoonist uses the images and symbols in the
cartoon to express his or her opinion.
3) Draw conclusions about the cartoon's intent - determine the main message, or point of view
expressed in the cartoon.



Friday, March 16

Monday, March 19
  • Work on projects.

Tuesday, March 20
  • Review Topic 2, Lessons 1 and 2.
  • Read Topic 2, Lesson 3. Take notes for quiz on Wednesday over notes and the video.
  • Articles of Confederation - watch video -
  • Shay's Rebellion -

Wednesday, March 21
  • Quiz over Topic 2, Lesson 3 and the video on the Articles of Confederation.
  • Introduce Creating the Constitution.
  • Complete chart on Plans of Government after reading Topic 2, Lesson 4.

Thursday, March 22
  • Watch video on the Constitutional Convention -
  • Discuss Topic 2, Lesson 4.



Friday, March 23
  • Work on study guides and review.

Monday, March 26
  • Test on Topics 1 and 2